Is Schlater, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.9/100
waterverge.com Schlater, MS — Water Quality Report
Schlater's drinking water received a grade of C (64.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 793 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 301 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Schlater's water
Schlater ranks #190 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Schlater relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Schlater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Schlater, MS water safe to drink?
Schlater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 793 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Schlater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Schlater's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3569). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Schlater's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Schlater's water system has 301 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leflore County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Tallahatchie River.
Where does Schlater's water come from?
Schlater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 793 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tallahatchie River (river).
What Schlater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Schlater's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Schlater's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Schlater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Schlater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICA'S CATCH INC ITTA BENA, MS38941 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLeflore County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Leflore County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Schlater's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 9.64 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 9.636 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Schlater compares by contaminant
Explore where Schlater ranks among all Mississippi cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Schlater's water comes from
Schlater's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 793 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Schlater
Schlater is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Schlater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SCHLATER | MS0420005 | 375 | GW |
| MINTER CITY WATER & SEWER | MS0420035 | 357 | GW |
| CITY OF SCHLATER-(P D PLANT) | MS0420022 | 61 | GW |
How Schlater compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Schlater's score of 64.9/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Schlater, MS
Wikipedia →Greenwood is a city in and the county seat of Leflore County, Mississippi, United States. It is located approximately 96 miles north of the state capital, Jackson, at the eastern edge of the Mississippi Delta; Memphis, Tennessee is 130 miles to its north. As of the 2020 census, Greenwood had a population of 14,490. It is the principal city of the Greenwood Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Schlater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Leflore
Frequently asked questions
Is Schlater, MS tap water safe to drink?
Schlater's water quality earned a grade of C (64.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #190 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Schlater's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 301 violations are on record.
How is Schlater's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Schlater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Schlater's water come from?
Schlater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 793 residents.
What health violations has Schlater's water system had?
Schlater has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Schlater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Schlater uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 301 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Schlater's water compare to other cities?
Schlater ranks #190 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 41% of state cities) and #11606 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.